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Access
to sport for people with disabilities

European
Commission publishes mapping review.

SW –
01/2019

In
December 2018, the Commission published a study on data availability and programmes for participation in sport by people with
disabilities. The aim of the study was to gain an insight into participation and
barriers to participation. Additionally, the study acts as a collection of good
practices to removing obstacles and provides information on funding
opportunities.

The
study shows that the availability of data relating to sport participation for
people with disabilities and the funding of programmes in each Member State
vary widely, making it difficult to compare countries. Sampling revealed
different types of relevant programmes. The majority of programmes are aimed at
people with disabilities in general, but general sport participation programmes
are increasingly developing a strong disability component. The samples also revealed
numerous programmes targeted at specific types of disabilities.

The programmes cover an array
of different interventions including the provision of services and information,
subsidies for facilities and infrastructure development, as well as assistance
with developing new partnerships.

In addition to the
importance of working with persons with disabilities, their carers and
disability organisations in designing activities and supporting inclusive
activities that promote the integration of people with disabilities, the study
also highlights the following key lessons which are essential for developing, funding
and implementing programmes:

· the development of new support
systems for disability sport by stimulating intersectoral cooperation and
regional/local partnerships between all relevant stakeholders;

· cooperation at all levels of
government, especially through local partnerships to identify specific needs in
cooperation with specialist disability organisations, and to develop customised
services that take into consideration local area assets;

· the use of national bodies to
promote cooperation between national associations, local partnerships and
disability organisations to develop new activities for people with
disabilities.

It
is estimated that there are 80 million people with a disability in the EU,
which is approximately 15% of the EU population. In its Communication ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’ (COM(2011) 12 final), the
Commission underscores the right of persons with disabilities to participate in
sporting activities on an equal footing with persons without disabilities. The
EU has signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
which includes an obligation to take appropriate measures to guarantee this
right. It must be ensured that the Convention is fully implemented. The ‘European
Disability Strategy 2010-2020: A renewed commitment to a barrier-free Europe’ (COM(2010) 636 final)
also aims to empower people with disabilities to exercise their rights and to
fully participate in society.